‘Bubble Gang’ Parodies Bato Staircase Incident Reaction

Betong Sumaya recreates viral chase as political satire trends across TV, brands, and social media.

GMA Network’s gag show “Bubble Gang” is back at it again with its political satire—this time on the issue surrounding Sen. Bato dela Rosa.

In a CCTV-style Reel uploaded on May 28, regular cast member Betong Sumaya—in a bald cap and barong—can be seen running and tripping on a staircase as individuals appear to chase him.

“SINO BA ‘TO?” the caption read. “Hinahabol? Tumatakbo? Nadapa?”

It invited viewers to catch the episode on Sunday, May 31.

On May 11, Dela Rosa was seen in CCTV footage running—and tripping—on a staircase, allegedly to evade National Bureau of Investigation officers serving an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. It has since spawned different memes and reenactments.

Recently, ABS-CBN’s noontime program “It’s Showtime” seemingly referenced the incident—with host Jugs Jugueta running and tripping while being chased by his colleagues.

Brands have also poked fun at the issue, including Lysol Philippines, which shared an image of dusty footprints on a staircase with the text, “GERMS CAN RUN, BUT CAN’T HIDE”—and with the caption, “Caught in the act trying to get away! Give them nowhere to run with Lysol Disinfectant Spray.”

Developer Jopel Mandac also made a web-based video game inspired by the chase.

Originally premiering in 1995, “Bubble Gang” is known for its hilarious parodies of current affairs and music videos. It’s also known for its sharp humor, especially toward Philippine politics. In recent memory, it parodied dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and government contractor Sarah Discaya.